Rocket Lab's Iridium Takeover: A $8 Billion Space-Industry Pivot

Rocket Lab is acquiring Iridium Communications in an about $8 billion deal (cash and stock) to create a vertically integrated space company that will design, build, launch, and operate its own satellite network; the deal, expected to close mid-next year after shareholder and regulatory approvals, leverages Iridium's profitable LEO network to accelerate Rocket Lab's growth, though investors should watch for integration risks and the high valuation.